Mold in attic, disclose to potential renters?

Question

I’m closing on a property with some mold in the attic. The seller said he will treat the mold himself before closing. Should we require him to get a mold inspection letter afterward saying mold is remediated? If we do not get a mold inspection and do not disclose this mold that was self treatment by seller and rent it out to tenants, is it against the law? I guess what I’m saying is is the mold inspection letter going to draw the line in case of liability issues?

Nik Moushon · Answer

Just from a liability stand point, and the fact you shouldn't have to do it, get the seller to do it professionally done or at least professionally inspected with an inspection report.As for venting your attic that is a very easy job. Best do it now while your attic isn't 130 degrees. The biggest thing is to find out what the current ventilation conditions are like. Are the ridge vents, are the soffits vented, are there gable vents already, etc. Then the next biggest thing you need is to make sure there is enough cross ventilation. Depending on how the attic is shaped it could be easier said than done. The best conditions would be that you have roof gables that face the prevailing winds. That way you can put a gable vent in that one and then another one elsewhere so the air can be pushed through. If its not that easy there are other ways. Like powered gable and roofs vents. These have small fans on them that pull and and push out the air. I prefer gable vents just because the less roof penetrations you have the better but sometimes you just have to. If you dont have ridge vents then you will want a powered roof vent anyways. All this should only cost you about $100-200 plus an afternoon of install. Also, the size of your attic will decide on how big or how many vent you need. So a small attic, about 1000-1500 sf, you should be fine with 2 12x12 or 12x16 gable vents. If its larger then you will have to get larger vents and at some point the get too big to look nice. Then you might have to go the a triangle shaped gable vent.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Why would you go through the process of demolition when you can simply vent the space? Seems like a pretty simple, inexpensive thing to fix.

You should require seller to have the mold remediated by a professional and provide proof of completion. Hopefully, they will use a company that backs their work in case the issue returns.

Bryan Devitt · Answer

There is always ways to get air circulating in the attic most people just don't know about them. If you post pictures of the inside and outside I can give you some ideas. It would be a shame to demo a room if it isn't necessary. Most of the time they're very easy fixes that are (relatively) cheap

Ken Jernigan · Answer

Mold is pretty common. Some are affected by it, others not. Mostly it hits infants, or those with compromised immune systems, like the elderly. You should inspect the mold yourself. If it's really bad, it will be obvious, on joists, rafters, wallboard, pvc, wiring. It can affect structure if it gets inside the walls.

If visible it can be removed with any commercial mold killer. But if the source of the mold, like a water leak, condensation from an HVAC, or roof leak is not fixed, it will just return. I'm not sure what a mold inspection letter gets you in this case.

Mold killer, mold test kits and humidity indicators that test for dampness inside walls can all be had for a reasonable price online.

I had mold in my crawlspace due to a leaky HVAC. Mold was cleaned up, and HVAC replaced, but the problem wasn't really solved until I installed a dehumidifier and sealed the crawlspace.

Good luck.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Get a letter saying the mold has been treated.  There are many different types of mold-some are harmless and others aren't.

Account Closed · Answer

I would definitely have the seller professionally treat the mold and provide a letter. Then follow some of the steps other members suggested to ventilate the space to prevent it from coming back. It isn't worth the hassle down the line if someone gets sick.

Account Closed · Answer

Edit

Bryan Devitt · Answer

Shoot me a message so we don't highjack this thread and I can look at some pictures and give you what I believe are the best options. After a couple decades of remodeling and a handful of classes just on attic ventilation and penetrations I am a little better than most at this particular issue

Kimberly H. · Answer

There is no mold disclosure requirement for rentals in Illinois. That being said, it would be best to get the seller to produce a letter from a professional saying the mold has been successfully remediated.

Uneeq Khan · Answer

@Bryan Devitt

I'm interested in learning on options to add air circulation in my attic.

Mold in attic, disclose to potential renters?

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